Jason Frazier, Alestle Reporter
by Jason Frazier, Alestle Reporter
This week was a huge week in sports. We had an exciting NCAA championship game, Tiger Woods returned to golf, Donovan McNabb traded, and NHL and NBA playoff races heated up as well. What more could a sports fan ask for? I almost forgot this week also marked opening day for MLB, where every team including the Royals has postseason aspirations.
In honor of opening day, I am going to have an MLB edition of this week’s Time Out awards. Although the season just started, some have already found a way to earn a Time Out.
First in the batter’s box to earn their Time Out is Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz. Ortiz started the season 0 for 7. Now I’m not giving him a Time Out for his two-game lack of production; I’m not that harsh.
When confronted by media members regarding this, according to ESPN, Ortiz responded with this following profanity filled tirade.
“You guys wait ’til [expletive] happens, then you can talk [expletive]. Two [expletive] games, and already you [expletives] are going crazy,” Ortiz said. “What’s up with that, man? [Expletive]. [Expletive] 160 games left. That’s a [expletive]. One of you [expletives] got to go ahead and hit for me.”
What happened to the cool and calm Ortiz a.k.a. Big Papi? I understand why Papi was a little irritated, but he could have handled it in a more professional way. Big Papi needs to stop acting like the Big Paranoico (Paranoid); if you play in a big market you have to be prepared to be scrutinized.
Its hard to disagree with a MLB legend like Hank Aaron when he says he sees something special in a young player. Aaron laid lofty expectations on Atlanta Braves rookie outfielder Jayson Heyward after his opening day homerun.
“He can certainly bring the excitement back, not only for Atlanta but also for African-American players,” Aaron said. “We do need to have many, many more Jason Heywards.”
Aaron isn’t the only one singing the early praises of Heyward, it seems as a majority of baseball writers are already trying to induct him in the Hall of Fame.
So Hank Aaron and fellow Jason Heyward bandwagon riders take a Time Out for the pre-mature praise on this promising player. It seems as if Heyward has a lot of tools to become a good player, but let’s give him a chance to have a career before we declare him the best baseball player ever.
My last timeout goes to the only Cardinal player I’m having issues with so far this season. I’m not going to completely throw him under the bus, since it’s so early, but Jason Motte, I need you to get it together.
Motte’s stat line so far reads an ERA of 27.00, WHIP of 6.00, and 1 loss, with the one loss coming in the Cardinals first loss of the season. Motte came in the game in the ninth inning with the score tied 1-1, and then threw a fastball in upper part of the plate to the Cincinnati Reds Johnny Gomes. Gomes deposited it over the fence for a walk off victory for the Reds.
Motte, the Cards long term success this season depends on you. Hopefully a Time Out will motivate you to get your act together.
That closes this week’s edition of the Time Out awards this week. Until next week; coaches, players, and all those involved in the world of sports be nervous, because I am on the lookout for those who deserve a Time Out.
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